Beverage dispensing apparatus



y 25, 1939- A J. NORTON '4 2,167,309

' BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Fil ed Jul 16, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 m P E W! r IN V EN TOR.

51 ATTORNEY y 1939- 1. NORTON 2,167,309

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed July 16, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV TOR. 40 (r .9 41 A BY A TTORNEYS.

Patented July 25, 1939 PATENT OFFICE BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS John L. Norton, New York, N. Y., assignor of one-half to Abraham S. Levin, Philadelphia,

Application July 16, 1937, Serial No. 154,057 7 Claims. (01. 225-40) This invention relates to improvements in beverage dispensing methods and apparatus and, while suitable for fountain or bar service of beverages generally, is primarily intended as a beerdispenser.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide an apparatus for the purpose specified which will'be neat and attractive in appearance and can be readily installed in association with any bar, table or counter or the like regardless of the location of the kegs or any other vessels which supply the beverage thereto.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a dispensing method and apparatus for the purpose specified which will (1) display the fluid to the view of the customer so as to increase sales appeal thereof; (2) lend itself to quick and easy cleaning without necessitating disassembly of the parts (3) assure of the beer or other beverage being kept at a substantially even predetermined temperature; and wherein the apparatus will be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, strong and durable and highly efiicient in practical use.

The invention also resides in certain novel features of construction combination and arrangement of the various parts, and in modes of operation thereof, to be hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification. It is to be understood that the drawings and the following description deal with what now appears to be a preferred example of the inventive. concept, but that the same is susceptible of other mechanical expression within the spirit and scope .of the subject matter claimed hereinafter.

In the drawings wherein the same parts have been used to designate the same parts in all Views,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of a bar, and a portion of the cellar below, illustrating one type of installation of my invention.

one of the bar-carried dispensing units illustrated in Figure 1, the View being taken on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of said unit, taken on the line 33 of Figure 2, certain parts thereof being shown in elevation;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a multiple pipe carrying fitting shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, and turning first to Figure 1, numeral 6 Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional View through designates a conventional bar whose rear longitudinal edge may have the conventional depending skirt 6a as shown. The conventional sink 1 illustrated provides a rest for the clean glasses la; and there is a'water supply pipe 8 having a tap or faucet 9 discharging into the sink 1.

In the present type of installation, the beer kegs Ill are disposed upon the floor H beneath the bar or counter 6, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the beer supply kegs I0 may be disposed on the cellar floor l2.

In carrying out the invention I provide at some convenient place-'-the basement [2 in the illustrated installationany well known type of refrigeration unit 14 and which may be such as is used for drinking fountains. Such unit as herein shownincorporates a pump I5 for a fluid circuit passing through said refrigeration unit. This conventional installation in the present instance supplies cold water for cooling the beer, or other beverage to be dispensed from the units 16 which are illustrated in Figure 1 as supported upon the bar 6 and will be hereinafter described in detail. Since nonovelty is claimed for the refrigeration unit-and pump per 'se the same has not been shown in detail and will not be so described.

Mounted on the refrigeration unit is the motor l8 having the drive belt connection IS with pump pulley ll. 'Any type of thermostatically controlled switch, generally denoted as at [8a, may be associated with the motor and having the connection 18b with the pump 15. Thus the motor l8 will be cut off if the water or other fluid circulating through the pump 15 falls below a predetermined temperature and will start if the water temperature rises too high.

Coming now to the'cooling fluid circuit, numeral 2D designates-the intake pipe of the pump l5 as leading into the refrigeration unit l4 while the output end of the pump discharges into the pipe 2'! which leads upwardly and then horizontally lengthwise of the bar 6 behind the depending skirt Ea thereof so as to be concealed and outof the way. Adjacent the first of the two dispensing units l6 heretofore referred to, the pipe2l has the T-coupling 22 from one branch of which leads the pipe 22a into the chamber 23 in the base 24 of the dispensing unit l6 (see Figures 1 and 2).

Another branch of T-coupling 22 is preferably diametrically reduced and carries the horizontally disposed pipe 2la which is smaller than pipe 2! and leads into the chamber 23 of the base 24 of the second dispensing unit It. The return line to the pump l5 comprises the pipe 25 leading from the base chamber 23 of the left-most unit it? (Figure 1) and having the T-coupling connection 26 with the return line 25a from the base chamber 23 of the rightmost unit l6 (Figure 1) and with the diametrically larger pipe 2'! which leads to refrigeration unit l4.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the drawings, it will be evident that when the mot-or i8 is operating there will be a constant circulation of cold water in the base chambers 23 of the dispensing units I6. Furthermore, it will be clear that the thermostat 18a will function to start the motor whenever the cooling water in the circuit rises above a predetermined temperature. Of course, the amount of running that the motor will have to do in order to keep the water in chambers 23 at a predetermined temperature will depend upon the temperature maintained in the refrigeration unit l4.

Clamp nuts 28' or the like secure pipes 21a, 22a,

25 and 25a assembled with the bases 24 of dis-' pensing units l6 as indicated in Figure 2.

Since the two d spensing units It herein shown are duplicates, a description of one willsuiiice for both; and at this point it might'be stated that such units it may be employed in any number.

Figure 3 illustrates that the base 24 of the dis pensing unit comprises the double walled receptacle having the inner and outer walls 24b, 24a respectively, said walls being separated by insulating material 24c. A frame-like casting 50 provides the upper rim of base member 24 and has the marginal upstanding shoulder 50a upon which is seated the grooved portion 5la of a gasket 5|. 24 which provides the receptacle or chamber 23 for the cooling fluid has attachment to the endless fiange 59b of the member 50, as indicated by reference characters 52. The outer wall of the receptacle providing base member 24 is 'secured as at 53 to the sides of the casting or member 25 and said securing members 53 also hold the gasket 5| in place.

The beverage containing member is provided by the bowl like receptacle 29 which will preferably be of stainless steel and has the marginal extension 29b extending into the dome-like glass member 30 which provides the upper portion of the dispensing chamber. Figure 3 illustrates that the bowl-like member 29 has ridges 29a which are received in grooves 560 at the inner surface of the framework casting 50 whereby to hold the bowl member 29 and casting 50 assembled; The

extension 29b of the bowl-like member may be made integral therewith or it may be soldered or otherwise secured thereto.

The marginal base portion of the dome-like portion of the beverage chamber 30 seats upon an inwardly extending portion of the washer or gasket 5i, which latter has an endless inwardly and upwardly extending portion 5lb overlying the outer surface of the base portion of dome member 39. An annular clamp 3| is adapted to be slipped over the dome-like member 30 and to :be bolted as at'32 to the frame-like casting 50 so as to hold the parts assembled. Particular attention is directed to the fact that the clamp member 3i which takes the form of a bronze or other casting by preference, has a depending circumferential portion Sla which is adapted to rest upon the 6 adjacent the hole 6b therein which receives the base portion 24. Thus the portion 3la of clamp member 3! provides a rest or seat for supporting the dispensing unit [6 in position.

The inner wall 24bof the base member 7 Figures 1 and 4 also illustrate that the clamp member 3! provides the depending rest 3) for drinking vessels which are to be filled from the tap of the dispensing unit. However, of course, the depending drinking vessel rest Sib may be a Part separate from the clamp member 3!.

Figure 3 also illustrates the bottom of the bowl-like member 253 as providing the multi-passage casting 33 which leads downwardly through the bottom of the base member 24. One passage of the casting 33 receives the drain pipe 34 whose end carries the petcock 35. This drain pipe 34 will be used for'draining the beer or beverage chamber 38, 29 of Water or other solutions used for cleaning purposes.

The other or larger passage of the casting 33 has extending upwardly therein and to a point adjacent the top of the dome-like glass member 30 the combined flushing water inlet pipe and air vent escape pipe 36, whose lower end below the base member 2 1 has the T-valve coupling connection 3? with the extension 8a of, the'water pipe 8; It is also to be noted that there is provided the excess gas relief pipe 33 whose inner end extends through the casting 33 and into pipe 36. There is, a spigot or valve member 39 at the outer end of pipe 38, as noted in Figure 4,

whereby excess gas within the beverage chamber 30, 29 may be permitted to escape. It is to be understood that the valve ill of the water line 8, 8a will be closed except when the beverage compartment 29, 3B is being flushed out.

It is also to be noted that the beer or beverage inlet pipe it} extends upwardly concentrically of and within the combined water and vent pipe 36 from the lower end of the casting 33; and that the upper end of the beverage inlet pipe as is extended laterally as indicated at 453a through one side of the pipe 36 at a point adjacent the top of same. The lower end of the beverage inlet pipe 40 has the connection iflb for attachment to the pipe 4! leading to the subjacent beer barrel l0.

The casting 33 will be soldered, as indicated at 42, to the base member 24 and to the bowllike lower portion of the beverage chamber 29, 39. However, of course, other means may be employed for holding these parts assembled.

The upper end of the glass dome member 3! is seen to be provided with a bushing 33 Within which is screwed the plug 45. This is used in case it should be found necessary to use a stiiT brush or other handle for cleaning the inner surface of the dome-like glass member 39. 7

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that the beverage contained in the dispensing chamber 29, iii) will be cooled by conoutlet coil 35 leading from the bottom of the bowl-like portion 2a of the beverage chamber and encircling such portion, as indicated in Figure 3, in its passage to the tap 4 3 which extends through thewalls 2M, Z ib of the base member and through the lower portion of the clamp member 3! The tap 36 will be of usual construction but it is to be noted that the tap G5 is enlarged, as at @341, to provide passage of greater diameter than the passage provided by the coil 45. This tends to prevent foaming of the beverage when same is being dispensed and thus makes a it .eas'ierto properly'draw a glass of beer or the water inlet pipe 36 and beer inlet pipe 46. It is like; Solderingor .other sealing means'is resorted toto close the openings throughwhich the coil -45.-passes.-to its point' ofqconnecti'on with the tap 4,5 e

-By way of :summary of the description and explanation of the operation of the apparatus hereindisclosed, it may be -said that the .casing 33 provides a very compact and advantageous assembly.ofl-the'drainpipe 35, the gas outlet and of great advantage to supply the beer or other beverage to the beverage chamber 29, 30 at a point adjacent the top thereof, and the reason I is that there may be a considerable quantity of the beverage in the beverage'chamber 29, 33 at the time when the beverage is exhausted from the barrels l0.- Under such'c'ircumstances the gas discharged from the barrels ID will not bring about turbulence of, the beverage in the container 29, 3!] as would be the case if the beverage inlet pipe 40 was located adjacent the bottom of the beverage chamber 29, 30.

Ordinarily when it is desired to clean out the beverage chamber 29, 30, it is only necessary to cut off the supply of beverage through the pipe 4! from the keg or barrel and then open the valve 31 so as to let water from the line 8, 8a run up through the pipe 36 about the beverage inlet pipe 40. This incoming water is discharged under pressure against the upper portion of, the dome-like member 30 and will ordinarily clear same of beverage residue. Then when it is desired to drain the water from the beverage compartment 33', 29 it is only necesary to open the valve 35 of the drain pipe 34. mally, the water valve 3'l would be closed. Thus, when it is desired to relieve gas pressure from the beverage container 29, 30 it is only necessary to open the gas vent valve 39 shown in Figures 3 and 4. No drain pipe is shown in connection with the drinking vessel support 3 lb but it is obvious that one might be provided without using the inventive faculty. Such drains are common in the art. I

The use of my apparatus enables beverages such as beer to be very conveniently and satisfactorily dispensed and, as heretofore noted, the

patron is enabled to actually view the beverage which he orders by virtue of the use of the glass dome-like upper portion of the beverage chamber. Having thus described the invention what is V claimed as new is:

l. The combination in a beverage dispensing unit or the like providing a beverage chamber; of a vent pipe extending upwardly in said chamber to a point adjacent the top thereof for the outlet of gas, valve means controlling the venting of gas from said chamber through said pipe; said chamber having a beverage outlet means and a valve-controlled cleaning fluid supply pipe connected to said vent pipe whereby such chamber and beverage outlet means may be flushed out to remove beverage residue therefrom.

2. The combination in a beverage dispensing unit providing a base, means including said base and providing a beverage chamber, a vent pipe carried by said base and extending upwardly in said chamber to a point adjacent the top thereof, a laterally extending valve-controlled branch pipe connected to said vent pipe and carried by said base for the outlet of gas, said chamber having a beverage outlet means, and a valve controlled cleaning fluid supply pipe connected to said vent pipe adjacent said branch pipe con- Of course, norcontainer secured to said base and having its lower portion extending into and providing a closure for the top of said cooling'fluid chamber,

means for circulatingcoolingfluid through said cooling fluid chamber in direct contact with the lower portion of said beveragecontainer, beverage inlet means extending up through said lower portion of said beverage-container and discharging adjacent the top thereof, drain and venting means in said beverage container and. supporting said beverage inlet means adjacent opposite ends thereof and a beverage outlet pipe leading from the lower portion of said container.

4. Beverage dispensing apparatus comprising in combination, a base providing a cooling fluid chamber which is open at the top, abeverage container secured to said base and having its lower portion extending into and providing a closure for the top of said cooling fluid chamber, means for circulating cooling fluid through said cooling fluid chamber in direct contact with the lower portion of said beverage container, beverage inlet means extending upthrough said lower portion of said beverage container and discharging adjacent the top thereof, a combined gas vent and cleaning fluid inlet pipe extending into said beverage container and providing a support for said beverage inlet pipe, and a beverage outlet pipe leading from the lower portion of said container.

5. Beverage dispensing apparatus comprising in combinatiomabase providing a cooling fluid chamber which is open at the top,- a beverage container secured to said base and having its lower portion extending into and providing a closure for the top of said cooling fluid chamber, means for circulating cooling fluid through said cooling fluid chamber in direct contact with the lower portion of said beverage container, beverage inlet means discharging'adjacent the top of said beverage container, drain and venting means in said beverage container and sup-porting said beverage inlet means adjacent opposite ends thereof and a beverage outlet pipe leading from the lower portion of said container and encircling the exterior of the lower portion of said beverage container within said cooling chamber.

6. Beverage dispensing apparatus comprising in combination, a base providing a cooling fluid chamber which is open at the top, a beverage container secured to said base and having its lower portion extending into and providing a closure for the top of said cooling fluid chamber, means for circulating cooling fluid through said cooling fluid chamber in direct contact with the lower portion of said beverage container, bev erage inlet discharging adjacent the top of said beverage container, a combined gas vent and cleaning fluid inlet pipe extending into said beverage container and providing a support for said beverage inlet pipe, and a beverage outlet pipe leading from the lower portion of said container and encircling the exterior of the lower portion of said beverage container within said cooling chamber.

'7. Beverage dispensing apparatus comprising in combination, a base providing chamber, a superposed beverage container secured to said base and having its lower portion extending below the plane of the top of said cooling chamber, cooling means disposed about the lower portion of said container and within said cooling chamber, beverage inlet means leading upwardly through the cooled lower portion of said beverage container and discharging adjacent the top thereofla beverage outlet pipe leading from the cooled lower portion of said container, a vent pipe extending upwardly in said beverage container to a point 10 adjacent the top thereof for the outlet of gas,

valve means controlling the venting of gas from said chamber through said pipe, a' valvecontrolled cleaning fluid supply pipe connected to said vent pipe whereby such chamber and beverage outlet means may be flushed out to remove beverage residue therefrom, and a common support for said vent and beverage supply pipes and extending upwardly through said base and cooling chamber. 7

JOHN L. NORTON. 

